Stacey Pays Tribute to Her Father, Joe Cool
Stacey Sobers, the 2018 NWAC National Calypso Queen, continues to contribute to the cultural landscape of Trinidad and Tobago with her latest release “Joe Cool”. The song is an autobiographical work written by epic writer Gregory “GB” Ballantyne and documents her father’s (Glenford Sobers/Joe Cool) work as a Panman and Calypsonian.
The song which was written in June 2020 includes lyrics… “He reminds me of the greats like Bradley and Boogsie, pan go get a Doctorate because of men like he”. Interestingly mere days ago an announcement was made the University of the West Indies would be conferring such an award to “Boogsie”. Amid the pandemic and uncertainty Stacey remains steadfast in ensuring that Calypso is alive and music must be created to continue our unique cultural expression.
Joe, as he is affectionately known in Enterprise, is also the father of Reggae Artist Marlon Asher (Marlon Sobers) and Pannist Kevin Sobers (performer with Chantal Esdelle and Moyenne). Joe toured internationally with the earliest National Steelband in the 1960s and has worked with Tropical Angel Harps and more recently New Age Trendsetters as well as sang calypso under the sobriquet Joe Cool.
The song was produced by Atiba Williams and Mixed and Mastered by Ato Williams both of 5ive Line Production and features a pan solo by Kevin Sobers. Apart from this release Stacey is also working on a production called Crackers and Cheese scheduled for early next year. This would be the third installment of this show after she successfully staged a sold-out performance at Kaiso Blues in November 2019.